27. Ryland #2
She scoffed. “And have her crashing out? Yeah no, hard pass. I’ve never in life seen a kid who loves school as much as she does. It’s weirdly comforting because I know she’s going to be something amazing. The kid is brilliant.”
“You did that,” I signed and she shook her head.
“No, it’s just her.”
“It is, she’s smart, but you being in her life gave her the confidence to embrace how smart she is.”
“I mean, I am pretty amazing.” She brushed her shoulder arrogantly. “Thank you for this weekend.”
“Stop thanking me. This is light work. I want you to expect the things from me that you want and need. You should be comfortable with knowing they’ll always be provided.
This is your life and I’m not only referring to monetary shit.
When I say your life, that includes me showing up for you with an understanding of how you need to be loved and applying that understanding.
I know this weekend was a lot, having everyone here, but can you honestly say that it wasn’t exactly what you needed? ”
A soft smile surfaced. “It was. I missed them so much. Not that I wouldn’t have been just as happy if it was only you and Rylee, but I’m glad you were minding my business.”
I chuckled and brought her to me for a kiss, saying, “you’re welcome” when I released her.
“And I’m cool with you loving me properly, as long as you expect the same.”
“I do and you haven’t disappointed yet, which says a lot because my standards are high as fuck.”
“If you’ve never had this, then how do you know what your standards are?”
I looked her dead in her eyes to make sure she felt what I was about to say.
“Because I’ve seen what love looks like.
My parents are the type of love I want. They’re not perfect but they’re real.
That’s what I feel we are. You’ve already given me space to heal things within me I was too embarrassed to even acknowledge.
Trust, I know what my future looks like with you by my side.
I see the man I can be with you in my life.
I’m not just talking shit or saying things that sound sweet.
I’m in this with you, baby, and I pray to God you’re in this with me. ”
She blinked several times before she nodded. “I am.”
“Aight so we burning them Tigers jerseys or what?”
She burst out laughing. “Why would you ruin the moment with that?”
“You told me it’s okay to own my feelings and you in a Tigers jersey had my feelings all fucked up.”
She grinned. “The only name I want on me is yours.”
“You want it behind yours too?”
My last name…
Her pretty ass blushed again as she nodded. I dropped my hands to her ass, bringing her closer. Somee lifted her arms around my neck and leaned in for a kiss, sealing the deal. We were locked in.
“Raaj, what the hell does this even mean? I don’t need to finalize temporary custody.
They can come here, but I don’t give a fuck what their decision is going to be.
She’s not leaving.” I stood in my living room, watching the technicians who were here to do the modifications needed to ensure Rylee and Somee could function effectively without me.
Two weeks after we got back from Crescent Keys, I got an email stating that someone was coming to do a home evaluation to finalize approval for temporary custody of Rylee.
I didn’t need this shit. We just started OTAs, and even though we hadn’t started contact practices yet, I needed to be there as a vet player who was rumored in a potential postseason trade.
All eyes were on me because of the amount of money attached to the deal I’d just signed with the Sharks.
The last thing I needed was a headline and whispers about the amount of money I was getting attached to doubt or speculation about my commitment to the team.
I didn’t have a damn thing to prove, but I also didn’t want my name linked to another viral moment leading into the season.
Even if I didn’t have anything to prove when it came to wearing a Sharks jersey, our team damn sure did.
We needed to win the Super Bowl this year after being cheated out of the opportunity last season.
A custody battle could not happen, but if that was what was required to keep Rylee with me, then I’d square up with anyone who thought otherwise, Social Services included.
“It’s miscommunication. I’ve already filed the petition for permanent custody, and since your mother is deceased and your father relinquished his rights, there shouldn’t be any issue with the courts granting the request. I’m going to make some calls.
The temporary custody order is a separate case from what I filed.
Someone dropped the ball. They have everything they need.
We need a judge to sign off on this, which should have happened already.
I’ll make some calls to get this finalized by end of day. ”
I relaxed some. “We’re not going to have any issues, are we?”
“No, give me a few hours to push this through.”
“Aight. Please get this shit done.”
“I got you, Land. Relax. It’s just finalizing paperwork at this point.”